Some members of this group had been involved with the charismatic movement that began in the mid-1960s in some parishes, while others, many associated with the Fellowship of Witness, held to a more traditional Anglican Evangelicalism.

These advocates for conservatism in the Episcopal Church of the United States began to meet and plan a new seminary with a curriculum based on orthodox Protestant theology and evangelical principles.

In 1976, Alfred Stanway, a retired Australian missionary bishop to Tanganyika (present-day Tanzania), accepted the call to become the first dean of TSM.

In 1996, Peter C. Moore, a founding board member and noted evangelical leader, became the fourth dean and president.

English evangelical Justyn Terry was named the school's dean in August 2008 and remained in office until returning to his homeland.

Some of the alumni, faculty, and trustees of the school have been among those who support conservative theology within the Episcopal Church, advocating historic views on matters such as the virgin birth, the deity of Jesus, and the literal resurrection of Jesus, as well as moral stances such as opposition to abortion and an affirmation of a traditional Christian view of marriage.

Although it is an Anglican seminary, Trinity School for Ministry is home to students from a wide variety of denominations.

TSM is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada[4] and is a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.